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2A6X2 Career Guide

Air Force

2A6X2: Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) Mechanic

Career transition guide for Air Force Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) Mechanic (2A6X2)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A6X2 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Automotive Technician

$47K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASE Certifications (e.g., A1-A9)Familiarity with specific vehicle makes/modelsDiagnostic software training

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific avionics systems training (e.g., Garmin, Collins)Software troubleshooting

Maintenance Mechanic

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with specific industrial equipment (e.g., HVAC, pumps)PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) trainingWelding certification

Field Service Technician

$60K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsSpecific equipment repair training (e.g., medical devices, industrial machinery)Project management skills

Wind Turbine Technician

$65K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Climbing and rescue certificationElectrical safety trainingHydraulic systems knowledgeExperience with large rotating equipment

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A6X2 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an AGE technician, you use system modeling to understand how different components of ground support equipment interact. You troubleshoot malfunctions by visualizing the flow of electricity, hydraulics, or pneumatics, allowing you to predict how changes in one area will affect others.

This ability to understand complex systems and predict outcomes translates directly into roles that require you to analyze and optimize processes. You can quickly grasp the interconnectedness of various elements and identify potential points of failure or improvement.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demands strict adherence to technical manuals, safety protocols, and environmental regulations. You follow detailed procedures for maintenance, repair, and handling hazardous materials, ensuring that all tasks are completed to exacting standards and in full compliance with established guidelines.

Your dedication to following procedures meticulously and ensuring compliance makes you exceptionally well-suited for highly regulated industries where accuracy and adherence to standards are paramount.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at maintaining equipment under pressure, often finding creative solutions to keep mission-critical systems running when resources are limited or conditions are less than ideal. You quickly diagnose and repair malfunctions, improvising when necessary to minimize downtime and maintain operational readiness.

This knack for problem-solving and maintaining functionality in challenging environments is highly valuable in fields that demand resilience and adaptability. You're able to think on your feet and find innovative solutions to keep things running smoothly, even when faced with unexpected obstacles.

Resource Optimization

You are adept at managing resources, including tools, parts, and manpower, to ensure efficient maintenance operations. You prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and make decisions to maximize productivity while minimizing waste.

Your skills in resource management make you an ideal candidate for roles that require you to plan and execute projects effectively. You're adept at identifying and allocating resources, streamlining processes, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been maintaining complex electromechanical systems under pressure, often in challenging conditions. Wind turbines are similar, and your troubleshooting and repair skills are directly transferable. Plus, you're already comfortable with heights and working outdoors!

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041.00

You've been working on ground support equipment, diagnosing and fixing mechanical and electrical problems. Industrial machinery is similar in complexity, and your expertise in troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance will make you a valuable asset to any manufacturing company.

HVAC Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've been servicing and repairing complex systems that involve fluid dynamics, electrical components, and control systems. HVAC systems share many of these characteristics, and your ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment will be highly valued in this growing field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

AGE Mechanic Technical School, Sheppard AFB, TX

560 training hours14 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Automotive Technology or related fields

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electricity and Electronics
  • Hydraulic Systems Maintenance
  • Internal Combustion Engine Theory and Repair
  • AGE Specific Equipment Diagnostics
  • Preventive Maintenance Procedures
  • Use of Technical Publications and Schematics
  • Hazardous Materials Handling and Disposal
  • AGE Servicing and Inspection

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronic Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires additional study in consumer electronics and advanced troubleshooting techniques not typically covered in military AGE maintenance.

Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Section 609 Certification70% covered

Focus on specific refrigerant handling procedures and regulations specific to automotive AC systems, as AGE may use different refrigerants or procedures.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM)Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Maintenance System (e.g., IMDS)Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software (e.g., SAP Plant Maintenance, IBM Maximo)
AGE External Fuel SystemsFuel dispensing and storage systems for ground vehicles or aircraft (e.g., Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Franklin Fueling Systems)
Conventional and Digital Multimeters, Voltmeters, Ohmmeters, OscilloscopesElectronic test and measurement equipment (e.g., Fluke multimeters, Tektronix oscilloscopes)
Circuit Card TestersPrinted circuit board (PCB) testing equipment
AGE Towing Vehicles (e.g., tugs, tractors)Industrial towing and material handling equipment (e.g., Kalmar, Toyota Material Handling)
Technical Orders (TOs)Technical manuals and service documentation (e.g., IETMs, PDFs)
Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Management SystemEnvironmental Health and Safety (EHS) management software (e.g., Intelex, VelocityEHS)

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